Taste of Spain World Paella Day celebration

#TRAVELTRADETOGETHER

Marian Benton (Travelbiz) reports, tastes and celebrates with the Spanish Tourist Office.

World Paella Day took place on the 20th September. The Spanish Tourism Office in Dublin kindly invited a number of Press, including yours truly, to a foretaste in the atmospheric surroundings of A Taste of Spain on Camden Street.

Originating in Valencia, paella is one of the most universally recognised dishes of Spanish gastronomy.  Like all good ‘national’ dishes, paella is a meal of humble Valencian origins that has transcended borders. I am told, and have no reason to doubt, that it is the fourth most researched recipe on the internet. Sole and Maria from the Spanish Embassy shared with me that, not unlike our own Irish stew, in Spain everyone’s mother has their own version of paella and puts their own little twist on it!

A Taste of Spain, a gourmet shop selling traditional Spanish food and wine, has a delightful Tapas Bar on their mezzanine level. We were hosted by Ruben López Pulido (Director Spanish Tourism Office in Dublin) and his very affable and able team of Kathryn MacDonnell, Sara Rivero, Imma Bernabeu and the newest addition Berta Casalinas.

A Taste of Spain produced the largest paella that I have ever seen and it was absolutely delicious.    We also sampled their selection of meats, cheeses and tapas including tortilla, croquetas and patatas bravas, all accompanied by a fine selection of Spanish wines.

Sara Rivera was insistent that we all try to make paella tomorrow to mark the day. She then deprived us of all excuses by presenting us with a Paella Kit and a large apron to save us from the mess we (by which I mean ‘I’) would undoubtedly make.    I’ll give it a go, but don’t hold your breath!